[2025 Chaozhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Chaozhou Xu Consort House (Updated Apr)

In Chaozhou, there's a "Xu Fuma Mansion." This attraction is slightly far from the ancient city center, located in the north, close to "Chaozhou West Lake." These two attractions can be visited together to save time. The Xu Fuma Mansion was built during the Northern Song Dynasty, nearly a thousand years ago, which makes it worth visiting. Following Amap navigation from Paifang Street, we strolled along while taking in the street views. We passed by "Zhenhai Tower," which resembles a city gate with a high base and three stories. It bears the inscription "Chaozhou Prefecture" and a plaque reading "Zhenhai Tower." "Chaozhou Prefecture" was an administrative concept officially established in the Ming Dynasty, roughly covering today's Chaozhou, Shantou, Jieyang, Dabu, and surrounding areas. The prefecture system ended during the Republic of China period. Now Chaozhou is a prefecture-level city. Zhenhai Tower was the Chaozhou Prefecture office, originally built in the Ming Dynasty (1369) but destroyed during the 1911 Revolution. The current building was reconstructed in 2022 in a completely official style. Continuing on foot. I noticed that most old houses in Chaozhou are very close to each other - so close that neighbors could chat through their upstairs windows! The lighting isn't great either. This would be unthinkable in northern China. There's a unique five-story building - one side is straight while the other bulges out like a round belly. Quite unusual! Wonder if it was a "nail house." In front of the Xu Fuma Mansion's gate, we first saw a rammed earth wall with an explanation: This was a common ancient construction technique using yellow earth, lime, sand, and gravel mixed together, rammed layer by layer between wooden frames. Sometimes brown sugar and glutinous rice paste were added to increase hardness, and straw and reeds for flexibility. These walls were widely used in various ancient city buildings and foundations. Having withstood hundreds of years of weather, they still stand firm, witnessing the city's development and serving as important architectural components. Such wisdom! Adapting to local conditions and standing the test of time. The mansion's main gate is simple yet dignified, with inscriptions on both sides reading: "Minister's Residence" and "Fuma Family Style." The threshold is over a foot high, requiring careful stepping. This likely displayed the owner's status while preventing rainwater entry. This became the Fuma Mansion when Emperor Yingzong of Northern Song's sister married Xu Jue. Xu Jue came from a prominent local family and was reportedly very intelligent. His ancestors were imperial guards. He married the great-granddaughter of Emperor Taizong of Song, who was Emperor Yingzong's (the fifth Song emperor) eldest daughter. Thus, when Yingzong ascended the throne, Xu became the imperial son-in-law. The mansion covers 1,800 square meters - quite large! The central axis features the main hall and ancestral hall, each with large courtyards. The east and west sides have main halls and various-sized wing rooms, all with courtyards. There are many rooms on both sides, though small. Long alleys with ancient wells run along the east and west ends. The last row of houses runs east to west in an orderly fashion. Song Dynasty architecture was relatively simple, with small windows supported by vertical posts, resulting in poor lighting. Here, we learned about the "Two-Horse Carriage" and "Four-Horse Carriage" layouts, two traditional residential styles in the Chaoshan region. I understood it by comparing it to Beijing's siheyuan (courtyard houses). The Two-Horse Carriage layout is simpler, typically with two or three courtyards, wing rooms on both sides with large main halls, connected to a row of rooms behind, with alleyways. The Four-Horse Carriage layout is grander, with three or more courtyards. Each courtyard's wing rooms and main halls are followed by rows of rooms, additional small courtyards, and more rooms, creating multiple alleyways - a style affordable only to wealthy families. The term "carriage" refers to the ancestral hall as the center (symbolizing the "carriage"), with buildings on both sides symbolizing the "horses." Hence the name "Four-Horse Carriage," reflecting the Chaoshan people's emphasis on ancestral halls and family continuity. Currently, the mansion exhibits local customs, including traditional wedding rooms and banquet scenes. The main highlights are the "three treasures": bamboo-woven lime walls, stone footings, and S-shaped drainage systems. The "bamboo-woven lime walls" are unique to this region, made by coating bamboo strip frameworks with mud and shell lime. These walls are lightweight, heat-insulating, soundproof, and earthquake-resistant, suitable for the humid, rainy southern climate. The stone footings were custom-made for the mansion, using quality stone as column bases to prevent moisture and protect wooden pillars. We saw well-preserved ancient "Ding"-shaped floor tiles, where horizontal and vertical tile joints are staggered. The Xu Fuma Mansion can be explored in half a day, and it's quite rewarding. (To be continued)

The Qingming Festival holiday is here! Join us for a 4-day tour of Shantou, Nan'ao, and Chaozhou, exploring the wonders of Chaoshan. Get ready for a super practical guide! Don't miss out! -------------------- 🏃Itinerary: DAY 1: Shantou Small Park—Lao Ma Gong Theatre—Shantou Post Office Building—Xidi Park Wander through Shantou's old town and experience its historical charm. From the ancient architecture of Small Park to the classic performances at Lao Ma Gong Theatre, the retro charm of the Post Office Building, and the coastal scenery of Xidi Park, this itinerary is packed with activities, showcasing the diverse attractions of Shantou. DAY 2: Nan'ao Island—Nan'ao Bridge—Qianjiangwan Beach Camp—Qing'ao Bay Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Nan'ao Island. Cross the magnificent Nan'ao Bridge, relax at Qianjiangwan Beach Camp, soak up the sun and enjoy the waves, and head to Qing'ao Bay in the evening to admire the stunning island sunset. Experience the tranquility and harmony of nature. DAY 3: Mayu Island Tourist Area—Chaozhou West Lake—Xu Fuma's Mansion—Paifang Street—Jiadi Alley—Guangji Bridge Light Show Start your day with the unique charm of Mayu Island, then visit Chaozhou West Lake to appreciate the beauty of classical gardens. Next, explore Xu Fuma's Mansion and delve into its rich history. Stroll along Paifang Street and Jiadi Alley, discovering the essence of the ancient city. In the evening, the Guangji Bridge Light Show illuminates Chaozhou's nightlife with vibrant colors. DAY 4: Chaozhou Ancient City—Guangji Bridge—Han Yu Memorial Hall Delve deeper into Chaozhou Ancient City and experience its profound history. The ancient charm of Guangji Bridge complements the elegance of Han Yu Memorial Hall, bringing a perfect end to this trip. Conclude your four-day adventure amidst the ancient charm of Chaozhou. -------------------- Essentials for Your Trip:🎒 👕 **Clothing**: The temperature in Shantou is moderate in March. Pack light jackets, thin sweaters, and windbreakers to cope with temperature differences between day and night. 🎫 **Documents**: Remember to bring your ID card, student ID, driver's license, and other necessary documents for travel and accommodation. 🕶️ **Accessories**: Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential for protection from the strong island sun. Don't forget an umbrella for unpredictable weather. 💊 **Other Items**: Pack stomach and cold medicine in case of illness. A small amount of cash is also essential for emergencies. -------------------- Don't wait any longer! Grab this guide and embark on your Shantou-Nan'ao-Chaozhou journey, indulging in a feast of delicious food and breathtaking scenery!

The short holiday is coming! This four-day tour of Shantou, Nan'ao Island, and Chaozhou will immerse you in Chaoshan customs. Don't miss it! Check out this guide! / 🚗Suggested route: Shantou - Nan'ao Island - Chaozhou four-day tour🌈 Day 1️⃣: Shantou Small Park—Lao Ma Gong Theatre—Shantou Post Office Building—Xidi Park Stroll through the old town of Shantou and experience the arcade architecture and historical culture. Listen to opera in the theater, take photos at the post office, and enjoy the scenery in the park. Spend a relaxing day. Day 2️⃣: Nan'ao Island—Nan'ao Bridge—Qianjiangwan Beach Camp—Qing'ao Bay Drive to Nan'ao Island, cross the Nan'ao Bridge, and experience the island life. Play at the beach camp and relax by Qing'ao Bay. Enjoy the romantic island time. Day 3️⃣: Mayu Island Tourist Area—Chaozhou West Lake—Xu Fuma Mansion—Paifang Street—Jiadi Alley—Guangji Bridge Light Show Visit Mayu Island and enjoy the island scenery. Then, head to Chaozhou to visit the beautiful West Lake, Xu Fuma Mansion, Paifang Street, and Jiadi Alley. Watch the dazzling light show of Guangji Bridge at night. Day 4️⃣: Chaozhou Ancient City—Guangji Bridge—Han Yu Memorial Hall Explore the ancient city of Chaozhou in depth, climb the Guangji Bridge to enjoy the river view, and visit the Han Yu Memorial Hall. Experience the historical and cultural heritage and conclude your four-day trip. / Must-see attractions: - 🌟Nan'ao Island: The beautiful scenery of mountains and waters blends with the beach. - 🏰Chaozhou Ancient City: Experience the charm of historical sites, taste authentic food, and appreciate Chaozhou woodcarving art. - 🌉Guangji Bridge: A unique combination of pontoon, arch, and beam bridges. - 🎡Shantou Small Park: A landmark of Shantou's old town and a witness to history. - 🏖️Qing'ao Bay: Enjoy the fine sand, blue sea, and sky at this natural beach. / Travel checklist:🧳 👕 **Clothing**: The temperature in Shantou in March is moderate, warm and comfortable during the day, and slightly cool at night. It is recommended to bring light jackets and thin hoodies for easy movement during the tour. Also, bring a windproof jacket just in case. 🎒 **Accessories and Documents**: Don't forget essential documents such as your ID card and student ID. Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are necessary for protection from the strong island sun. Also, bring an umbrella for the changeable island weather. 🍞 **Food, Drinks, and Medical Supplies**: Bring medicine for stomach aches and colds in case you feel unwell. Shantou has a lot of delicious food, so bring digestive tablets to enjoy the food without any burden. Of course, a small amount of cash is also essential, just in case. / Shantou cuisine, Nan'ao Island seascape, and Chaozhou culture, all in one guide! Pack your bags and start your Chaoshan journey!

Chaozhou, a city steeped in ancient charm, holds countless historical treasures, and the Xu Fuma Mansion is one of its shining stars. Like a silent elder, it stands quietly in a corner of the city, telling the world of its past glory and stories. 🏮Unique Architectural Style: A Model of Chaoshan Mansions Stepping into the Xu Fuma Mansion, the first thing that catches the eye is its unique architectural style, a typical representative of the "four horses pulling a cart" layout of Chaozhou. The entire mansion is meticulously laid out, centered on a central axis, with the front hall, middle hall, and rear hall arranged in sequence, flanked by fire lanes and side houses. The exterior is simple and elegant, with walls built using traditional Chaozhou shell-lime rammed earth, making them strong, durable, and textured. The swallowtail ridges of the roof rise high, with smooth and graceful lines, shining with a unique light in the sun, showcasing the agility and exquisiteness of Chaoshan architecture. Exquisite Wood Carving: A Wonderful Display of Art The wood carving inside the mansion is superb, a prime example of Chaoshan wood carving art. Entering each hall, the eye is met with exquisite wood carvings. On beams, brackets, doors, and windows, carved flowers, birds, fish, insects, and figures come to life. The craftsmen, with their delicate carving techniques, have carved every detail to perfection. For example, the wood carving themed "Guo Ziyi's Birthday Celebration" depicts figures with different expressions and vivid emotions, as if presenting a lively birthday banquet scene, leaving one in awe of the superb skills of Chaoshan craftsmen. 📜Deep Historical Roots: A Thousand Years of History The history of Xu Fuma Mansion can be traced back to the Northern Song Dynasty. It was the residence of Xu Jue, the驸马 (imperial son-in-law) of Princess De'an, daughter of Emperor Yingzong of Song. Having weathered the storms of a thousand years, it has witnessed the change of dynasties and the rise and fall of families. Walking on the stone paths within the mansion and touching the ancient walls, one seems to travel through time, feeling the prosperity and glory of the mansion in its heyday. Every brick, tile, plant, and tree here carries heavy historical memories, telling the vicissitudes of time. 🎓Rich Cultural Value: A Treasure of Chaoshan Culture As the earliest existing "mansion-style" residence in Chaozhou, Xu Fuma Mansion is not just a building but also an important carrier of Chaoshan culture. It integrates various cultural elements of the Chaoshan region, such as architecture, folklore, and art, providing valuable physical data for the study of Chaoshan history and culture. Here, visitors can gain an in-depth understanding of traditional Chaoshan family culture, etiquette systems, and the development of architectural art, experiencing the profoundness of Chaoshan culture. Chaozhou Xu Fuma Mansion, with its unique charm, attracts every traveler who comes to explore history. It is like a vivid history book, waiting for people to browse and savor, allowing us to appreciate the beauty of ancient architecture while immersing ourselves in the profound history and culture of Chaozhou, for an unforgettable cultural journey.

A great place to take your kids during winter vacation! A four-day tour of Shantou-Nan'ao-Chaozhou, where you can catch seafood, check in with internet celebrities, and enjoy the history and culture of the ancient city! Come and start your dream double island journey! / Route Overview: 🚩 Day 1: Shantou Small Park - Laoma Palace Stage - Shantou Post Office Building - Xidi Park Walk around the old city of Shantou, feel the arcade style and historical culture, the ancient charm of the stage and the old times of the post office, and the tranquility of the park ends the day's itinerary. Day 2: Nan'ao Island - Nan'ao Bridge - Qianjiang Bay Beach Camp - Qing'ao Bay Explore the natural scenery of Nan'ao Island, cross the spectacular Nan'ao Bridge, enjoy the seaside fun at the beach camp, and finally indulge in the clear water and blue sky of Qing'ao Bay. Day 3: Mayu Island Tourist Area - Chaozhou West Lake - Prince Consort Xu's Mansion - Archway Street - Jiadi Lane - Guangji Bridge Light Show After experiencing the island style of Mayu Island, we will go to the beauty of the classical gardens of Chaozhou West Lake, travel through history to visit Prince Consort Xu's Mansion, stroll through the ancient streets and alleys, and enjoy the bright lights of Guangji Bridge at night. Day 4: Chaozhou Ancient City - Guangji Bridge - Han Yu Memorial Hall Go deep into Chaozhou Ancient City to feel the historical heritage. The ancient charm of Guangji Bridge and the literary grace of Han Yu Memorial Hall complement each other, and the four-day cultural tour ends successfully. / Attractions to visit: - 🏝️Nan'ao Island: A close combination of nature and history! There are beautiful sights such as Treasure Island and Qing'ao Bay, as well as historical sites such as Nan'ao General's Mansion and Song Well waiting for you to explore. Bring your children here to feel the magnificence of nature and the breath of history! - 🏰Chaozhou Ancient City: Want your children to understand history and culture? Just come to Chaozhou Ancient City! There are precious historical sites such as Kaiyuan Temple and Guangjimen Tower here. It combines historical buildings with urban life and is the perfect choice for family travel. - 🌊Qing'ao Bay: A pearl on Nan'ao Island! The sea water is clear blue and the sand is fine, making it an ideal beach for children to have fun, swim, play in the sand, and enjoy parent-child time. - 🌳Chaozhou West Lake: There are rich cultural relics hidden among the lakes and mountains. You can go boating on the lake and feel the tranquility and beauty. There are also small games for children to challenge, which makes parent-child fun. / 👕 **Travel list**: Going to Shantou-Nan'ao-Chaozhou, these are the treasures you must bring! 👗 Clothing: It is still a bit chilly there in February, so bring a thick coat and comfortable sneakers to easily cope with the sea breeze and walking. 🎒 Carry-on bag: Carry a backpack and put your belongings, such as mobile phone, wallet, water bottle, which is convenient and practical. 📸 Photography equipment: Camera or mobile phone, record the beautiful moments, don't forget to bring a charger and spare batteries! 🌞 Sun protection products: Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, the sun is strong at the beach, these are essential for sun protection. 💊 First aid kit: Bring some commonly used medicines, such as cold medicine and gastrointestinal medicine, just in case. 🔑 Documents: ID card, student ID card, driver's license, all must-haves for travel, don't forget them! 💧 Other daily necessities: Disposable towels, toothbrushes, paper towels and wet wipes to keep you fresh and clean. / Shantou-Nan'ao-Chaozhou, the scenery and food along the way will surely make you linger and leave you with endless aftertastes! 🌊🍜✨

Xu Fuma Mansion is located at No. 4 Dongfu Yard, Putao Lane, Zhongshan Road, Chaozhou City. It was the mansion of Princess De'an, the daughter of Emperor Yingzong of the Northern Song Dynasty, and her husband Xu Jue. The mansion was first built during the reign of Emperor Yingzong of the Song Dynasty. It has been repaired many times over the generations, but it still retains the layout and characteristics of the original construction period. As early as when Su Dongpo mentioned the tile houses in Chaozhou, the earliest existing 'mansion-style' residence in Chaozhou, Xu Fuma Mansion in Putao Lane, Chaozhou City, had already been built. It was the mansion built by Xu Jue, the great-grandson of Xu Shen, one of the former seven sages of Chaozhou and a student of Chen Yaozuo. Because Xu Jue married Princess De'an, the daughter of Emperor Yingzong of the Song Dynasty, it is commonly referred to as the Fuma Mansion by the locals. The Fuma Mansion is not large, covering only more than 2,000 square meters. It was built in the first year of the Northern Song Dynasty's Zhiping era (1064). After many repairs over the generations, not many Song Dynasty artifacts have been preserved. In 1982, carbon-14 dating was performed on the wooden columns of the second entrance and the lintels of the third entrance, confirming that the wooden structure was replaced in the early Ming Dynasty. However, due to the attention to 'repairing the old as the old' during the maintenance, it still retains the characteristics of the Song Dynasty: the square and regular layout (the whole mansion is 42 meters wide and 47 meters deep), the gently sloping and curved roof, the wing corners, the two-layer butterfly tiles (the concave surface of the bottom tile faces up, and the tile piece with the concave surface facing down is overlapped on it, which can still be seen in the residence of Su Dongpo in Huangzhou drawn by Qiao Zhongchang), the wooden door pins with simple lotus patterns, the high door sills, the tight window lattices, the bamboo woven gray walls and the simply decorated beams and columns, etc. And the three courtyards, the five open rooms, both the ancestral house and the back wrap (only for the lower people to live in) with the courtyard as the center of the main and secondary clear buildings, but it is 'derived from the ancient landlord manor, and later because of the local deeply rooted clan system, it evolved into a form with a protective house and a back wrap' (Pan Guxi, editor-in-chief of 'History of Ancient Chinese Architecture' Volume 4), is the earliest form of the existing Chaozhou 'mansion-style' residence. In 1997, it was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit. Location: No. 4 Dongfu Yard, Putao Lane, Zhongshan Road, Chaozhou City Opening hours: 9:00-17:30 Admission stops at 17:00, closed on Mondays

🌈Day1: Chaozhou 🗺️🗺️【Travel Route】 Kaiyuan Temple Thai Buddha Hall—Han Wen Gong Temple—Guangji Bridge—Guangji Gate City Tower —Paifang Street—Kaiyuan Temple—Xu Fuma Mansion—Chaozhou—West Lake — ⛩️⛩️【Recommended Attractions】 1️⃣Paifang Street: Feel the purest epitome of Chaozhou Paifang Street culture📖 2️⃣Kaiyuan Temple: A temple where locals go to pray, every brick and tile reveals a historical atmosphere📿 3️⃣Guangji Bridge: One of the eight scenes of Chaozhou, here you can feel the cultural characteristics of Chaozhou🌉 4️⃣Xu Fuma Mansion: The only existing folk prince mansion in China. The house is large and exquisite🏠 5️⃣West Lake Park: Take a walk and feel the unique romance under the sunset of West Lake🏞️ 6️⃣Yiyuan: A small popular check-in spot hidden in Paifang Street, super photogenic📷 — 🏠🏠【Accommodation Suggestions】 It is recommended to stay near the ancient city in Chaozhou, as the scenic spots are basically concentrated here🏨 — 🌈Day2: Shantou 🗺️🗺️【Travel Route】 Shantou Hostel—Post Office—Cunxin Shantang—Small Park—Xidi Park—Square Ferry—Night Tour of Old City Arcade — ⛩️⛩️【Recommended Attractions】 1️⃣Shantou Small Park: Old city characteristic arcade building, retro Republic of China🏗️ 2️⃣Feng La Man Canxing Building: Shantou landmark check-in point✔️ 3️⃣Xidi Park: Fuyuan (Overseas Chinese Memorial Hall) Under the Shantou Huashi Bridge, there is a deep feeling🌉 4️⃣Square Ferry: Shantou's one-dollar romance, a boat every 20 minutes, it is recommended to take one of the 5 o'clock or 5:20 boats, which is the most beautiful time of sunset⛴️ 5️⃣Nanbin Green Park: I love Shantou's pinyin and Shantou Huashi Bridge with the beautiful sunset, 5:30 is the best shooting time, you can take the 5 o'clock ferry to the opposite shore, and it's just right to take a taxi there⛲️🚣 — 🏠🏠【Accommodation Suggestions】 It is recommended to stay near the city center of Vientiane in Shantou, which is convenient to go anywhere🏨

When the long river of history merges into the torrent of modern civilization, when the old bricks and tiles are telling the vicissitudes and glory of a thousand years, Xu Fuma Mansion in Chaozhou is waiting for every traveler with its unique charm. This is not only a journey through time and space, but also a spiritual journey to seek the essence of Chaoshan culture. Mansion tour in the quiet time Imagine walking into a building that has weathered the storm and still maintains its original appearance in the Song Dynasty, what a rare experience. Xu Fuma Mansion in Chaozhou, this ancient house covering an area of about 2,450 square meters, is not only a residential building in the Lingnan region that has been preserved to this day, but also a rare example of mansion architecture in China. Here, you will feel the solemnity and heaviness of the mansion architecture, as if you can hear the echo of history, gently telling on each piece of stone. Step into the ancient house and appreciate the beauty of Lingnan architecture Entering Xu Fuma Mansion, you will find that unlike the beauty commonly seen in Lingnan architecture, what is displayed here is a kind of calmness and heaviness. Standing under the eaves, the low eaves seem to be telling each visitor about the long history and authority. Let's walk into this space that has witnessed the multi-faceted culture of Chaozhou, feel the sentiment of the Chaozhou people who respect literature and honor the virtuous, and appreciate the respect and inheritance of history. 📍Detailed address: No. 4 Xu Fuma Mansion, East Fucheng, Zhongshan Road, Xiangqiao District, Chaozhou City, Guangdong Province Not just sightseeing, but a cultural immersion In Xu Fuma Mansion, every step is a journey through the past and the present, and every wall brick tells an immortal story. Don't miss this opportunity to experience and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Song Dynasty mansion, and let the history and culture of Chaozhou leave a deep impression in your heart. On your travel list, mark a new destination - Xu Fuma Mansion in Chaozhou, let us rediscover its ancient charm and explore the profound cultural heritage of Chaoshan. This is not only a choice of travel, but also a touch of the soul and a dialogue with history.

~ Embark on a journey of luxury and elegance in this palace full of history and romance! ✨👑🏰🌸 When I stepped into Prince Consort Xu's Mansion, the magnificent architecture and exquisite carvings showed the magnificence and splendor of the ancient palace. I strolled along the corridors of the palace, admiring the exhibits full of history and culture. I also wore ancient costumes and took photos in the courtyard, as if I had become an ancient aristocrat. 🌺🏰📸 I walked in the garden, admiring the beauty of the green trees and flowers, which made me feel the elegance and uniqueness of the ancient court culture. 🍵🎶🌳 This mansion full of history and romance allowed me to encounter ancient culture and royal life, and enjoy a gorgeous and romantic time. If you want a palace tour, Prince Consort Xu's Mansion is definitely a place worth visiting! 👑🏯🌺 #Greater Bay Area must-visit check-in spots